Our Staff
Gina Karst, Executive Director
Gina is our Executive Director and has been with Safe Harbor since December 2009. She is a graduate of Northern State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication. Gina is very excited about the new direction Safe Harbor is taking and hopes that we can make a big impact in all the communities we serve. Gina enjoys spending time with her family and friends, running, cooking and baking.
LaVonne Walker, Assistant Executive Director
LaVonne is our “Jack of All Trades” doing everything from Office Manager, Business Manager, and sometimes even plumber! She has been with Safe Harbor since November of 2009. She and her husband moved here from Ashley, ND. She has two grown children and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. LaVonne also enjoys motorcycling, camping, water skiing, and cooking.
Hannah Kraft, Kids Konnection Coordinator
Hannah has been with Safe Harbor since September 2019, as both an intern and a supervised visitation monitor. She is grateful to be able to assist families along their healing journey, and enjoys every second of working in Kids Konnection. Hannah is attending Northern State University and double majoring in Sociology & Criminal Justice. She loves to spend time with her loved ones (including the dogs of course), reading, drinking iced coffee, and spending time outside in the sunshine.
Kara Fordham, Shelter Coordinator
Kara is the Shelter Coordinator and has been with Safe Harbor since August 2020. She has a passion for empowering victims of domestic violence and helping them navigate through traumatic times in their lives and helping them achieve independent living in a safe, healthy environment. Kara enjoys spending time with her family including her two French Bulldogs, Stella and Chip!
Tori Collesso, Outreach Coordinator
Tori started at Safe Harbor in December 2022, she graduated from Northern State with a bachelor’s degree in business and was a part of the soccer and track team. Tori has a business degree but has the passion for helping others and making an impact on people’s life. She loves soccer, reading and working out in her free time.
Kids Konnection Monitors
Kansas Larson, Assistant Coordinator
Kansas joined our team in June of 2023 as a supervised visitation monitor. She has worked in childcare for many years and loves being able to watch the children and families grow together. She loves spending time with her daughter, doing photography and drinking iced coffee.
Jayda Boxley, Visitation Monitor
Jayda is from Vivian, South Dakota and recently graduated from Northern State University with her bachelor's degree in psychology. Jayda will be continuing her education at Northern State University with graduate school in the fall for clinical counseling. Jayda has worked with children since she was young, creating a passion for working closely with children and families. Outside of work, Jayda loves spending time with her family and friends, including her dog Marge and cat Sabrina, reading, and doing hot yoga.
Sophia Powel, Visitation Monitor
Sophia was born in Aberdeen, she joined the team in July 2024 and brings valuable experience in customer service and strong typing skills from her previous roles. Passionate about helping others, she goes above and beyond to make a difference wherever she can. In her free time, Sophia loves spending time with friends, volunteering at her church, and enjoying a good book with a mug of hot tea.
Shelter Advocates
Ashley Durnin
Ashley has been with Safe Harbor since February 2022. She was born and raised in Aberdeen, has a son and two cats. Her favorite hobbies are drawing, painting and hiking. She is a great listener, loves working with people and helping them grow.
Chelsea Kercher
Born in Virginia and raised in Philadelphia, Chelsea has lived in various places, including New Jersey and Alaska. Before moving to Aberdeen, she lived off-grid. With a background as a caseworker for trafficking victims and personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence, Chelsea brings deep compassion, empathy, and determination to her role. She studied psychology at Rider University, earning multiple certifications through specialized courses. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys the outdoors, crafting, and poetry. She also loves spending time with her Maine Coon cat and her boyfriend.
Jaime Matthews
Jaime, from Aberdeen, joined Safe Harbor in September 2024, inspired by its mission and incredible team. With a background in affordable housing, she connects shelter clients to vital resources, finding joy in small successes that bring hope amidst challenges. Currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Northern State University, Jaime spends her free time on homework, with family and friends, and watching documentaries. Having previously worked with Gina, LaVonne, and Kara at community events, she was eager to join Safe Harbor and continue making a meaningful impact.
Melissa Bock
Melissa, originally from Ellendale, ND, has lived in Aberdeen for 27 years. She joined Safe Harbor in May 2024, committed to creating a safe space for victims to heal and rebuild. Known for her empathy and listening skills, she empowers others to take steps toward a healthy, happy life. In her free time, Melissa enjoys crafting with vinyl and paper, laser printing, and reading. She is the proud mom of three grown sons who complete her world.
Sarah Breitag
Sarah joined our team in 2015 and is best known for being a great listener. She also has a strong passion for helping our community and helping clients find success and happiness. She says, “Often when I meet someone, they are at their ultimate low. They have been abused and pushed down so low that they have lost all self confidence. Seeing these people rise up and become strong members of our community makes it all worthwhile.